2016 - Eastern Conference Playoff Preview -- (4) Capitals - (5) Sabres - Tazer19's Dynasty

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2016 - Eastern Conference Playoff Preview -- (4) Capitals - (5) Sabres

Posted on January 4, 2012 at 06:36 PM.

(0)

(4)

Washington Capitals - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)

(5)
Buffalo Sabres - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)

What you Need to Know
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(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 3.20 (#3)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.73 (#15)
Power Play % - 19.2% (#11)
Penalty Killing % - 81.0% (#20)

Home Record - (27 - 13 - 1)
Road Record - (22 - 14 - 5)

Leading Scorer - Alex Ovechkin (53 goals / 55 assists - 108 pts)
Who's in Net? - Michael Neuvirth (34 wins / Save % .913 / GAA - 2.49)

(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.84 (#10)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.48 (#4)
Power Play % - 17.3% (#18)
Penalty Killing % - 81.1% (#17)

Home Record - (25 - 13 - 3)
Road Record - (21 - 16 - 4)

Leading Scorer - Thomas Vanek (31 goals / 54 assists - 85 pts)
Who's in Net? - Ryan Miller (41 wins / Save % .927 / GAA - 2.19)

Analysis and Prediction
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Four - Five match ups are usually pretty tight, but this one could be special because of how different these teams win. The Capitals try and are usually successful in outscoring teams, without regard for defense. The Sabres win by not allowing their opponents to score, somethings gotta give. Usually in the playoffs, goaltending and defense is what wins, and I don't think it's any different here. The Sabres hold the edge defensively and in the net, and because of that I think they take the series. By no means will this be a walk in the park, as the Sabres will be tasked with stopping Ovechkin and Backstrom who both put up 100 points this year. The Sabres are also no slouch when it comes to offense, as they boast a deep scoring lineup, rather than having the high popping numbers, should be a great series.
Prediction - Sabres in 6